Jobe Bellingham is set to stay put this month despite Premier League interest.
Sunderland youngster Bellingham, 19, has flourished since joining the Black Cats from Birmingham 18 months ago for just £1.5million. And much like his older brother, Jude, Bellingham has a host of high-profile admirers.
Unsurprisingly, Premier League clubs are among those who have been watching Bellingham with interest this season. But their hopes of luring the midfielder away from the Stadium of Light have been hampered by Sunderland's superb form this term, with Regis Le Bris' side currently fourth in the Championship.
It is now believed that Bellingham is unlikely to move this month, with Sunderland reluctant to countenance losing one of their most influential players mid-season given their own promotion aspirations.
That news, which was first revealed by The Sun, will come as a bitter blow to the likes of Arsenal and Manchester United, who have been pursuing the £20m-rated midfielder alongside Crystal Palace.
And the report goes on to outline that Bellingham is likely to disappoint his suitors in English footballing by following his older brother's lead in moving abroad at the end of the season.
German giants Borussia Dortmund have also been tracking Bellingham; they enjoyed tremendous success after signing Jude in a similar swoop from Birmingham before selling him on for big money to Real Madrid back in last year's summer transfer window.
It emerged back in March that some of Italy's biggest clubs were courting Bellingham, who has four league goals and three assists to his name so far this term.
Bellingham has kicked on this year under Le Bris, who waxed lyrical about the England Under-21 star back in October. He told Sky Sports: "He's still a young player with the ability to play in many different roles.
"But I like him as a No 8, because I think he's an offensive midfielder. He can express his power, his ability to run and his ability to press - to link defence and attack."
supbmosuy
44
let's try Bellinghams and 1 valverde I want to see something 🤔 please 🙏
AFerBIxM4906
19
Don’t go to Manchester United it’s a trap.